Government urges Women on prevention of Drug Abuse
The Director-General, National Centre for Women Development(NCWD),Mary Ekpere-EtaEsq has charged Nigerian Women on prevention of drug abuse. “Inculcate the right values and high moral standard in your children”, she asserted.
She gave this charge recently in her office during a joint workshop on Women and Family Drug Education by the Centre and Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA).
Mary Ekpere EtaEsq lamented on the increased rates of female and young person’s hard drugs consumption and its adverse effect on the family and society at large.
She stated that the substance abuse is ravaging a vulnerable population of women and girls across the federation. According to her, “this has led to many marriages breaking up in both rural and urban areas, mental and reproductive health issues, social-economic, impacting greatly on our economy”, She added.
The NCWD boss reiterated that the various drug addiction problems facing many young women in many parts of Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized and the changing complexion of the war against drug use and addiction in the various regions cut across students, workers, married and unemployed dependent on drugs.
Describing it as hard for any person with a substance use disorder to quit, the DG stated that women in particular may be afraid to get help during or after pregnancy due to possible legal or social fears and lack of child care while in treatment. Further, she said that women in treatment often need support for handling the burden of work, home care and other family responsibilities.
Rendering his key note address, the representative of Senator Hezekiah Dimka, Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Prince Opaluwa stated that one of the best ways to tackle drugs and alcohol addiction is through prevention and education.
He noted that drugs and alcohol addiction is being approached in Nigeria from a damaged control perspective rather than preventive perspective in order to address the usage of drugs.
According to him, “Sadly, more Nigerians are becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol every year than are being rehabilitated from such habit, “He added.
Earlier in his remark, the President, Vanguard against Drug Abuse(VGADA), Dr.Hope Omeiza said that thereis need to increase awareness on the key roles the family can play in the fight against drug abuse.
He added that the family can help by preventing problematic drug use, assisting and improving the drug use outcome for those who are dependent on drug. Dr. Omeiza further, complimented the efforts of families in reducing the negative effects of drug use problem a member may face.
Dignitaries in attendance are Rejoice BakoEsq, Rapporteur presenter, Dr. AdesinaAdekunle, management and staff of the Centre.
Judith Ogbogu
Head:Press and Public Relations Unit.
